Bowling pin respotting apparatus



7 May 10, 1960 J. ZUERCHER 2,936,175

BOWLING PIN RESPOTTING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 11, 1958 108 INVENTOR g 38 JOHN ZUERCHER BY 4 M47 ATTORNEY May 10, 1960 J. ZUERCHER BOWLING PIN RESPOTTING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 11, 1958 INVENTOR JOHN ZUERCHER BY M4% ATTORNEY May 10, 1960 J. ZUERCHER BOWLING PIN RESPOTTING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 11, 1958 FIG.

FIG. 7

INVENTOR JOHN ZUERCHER BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,936,175 BOWLING RESPOTTING APPARATUS John Znercher, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to American Machine & Foundry Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application April 11, 1958, Serial No. 727,855

18 Claims. (Cl. 273-42) The present invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines, and more particularly to improved mechanism for spotting and respotting bowling pins on the playing bed of a bowling alley.

According to the invention there are provided ten respot units in substantially triangular configuration. Ten units are employed since this number conforms with the number of pins customarily used in bowling. However, a different number of respot units could be used if desired. The respot units are mounted on the spotting-respotting table of an automatic pin spotting machine and are characterized by the provision of two opposed swingably mounted U-shaped arms so constructed and arranged, that when the table is lowered and the head of a standing pin is contacted by the unit, the arms are moved toward each other and into pinengaging relationship adjacent the neck of the standing pin. On the next successive downward movement of the table, the unit is so constructed that relative movement of the engaged pin and the unit effects the release of the pin in is former position on the alley.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spotting-respotting table is also provided with a plurality of pin spotting devices and is adapted to be raised and lowered relative to. a bowling alley during the cyclic operation of the associated machine. During the spotting cycle, the table is lowered and bowling pins are delivered from the several spotting devices onto thealley where they remain in standing triangular playing arrangement pending the rolling of the first ball of a frame. Following this operation, the table is again lowered and the respot units are actuated to engage any standing pin. The table is then raised and the alley is swept of deadwood or fallen pins, after which the table is returned to a position adjacent the alley so that the respotting unit can effect the delivery of pins held thereby to the alley in the positions occupied before being lifted by the table.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide novel pin actuated mechanism for engaging and placing bowling pins in standing position on a bowling alley.

It is a further object of this invention to provide novel respotting devices for a bowling pin spotting machine employing opposed swingable arms.

In respotting units heretofore available, the standing pin was positively gripped by the unit for elevation with the table. In the present invention the arms are moved into pin holding position adjacent the neck of a standing pin. When the table is raised, the head of the pin is held between the arms with the body of the pin suspended therefrom. Thus it is an object of this invention to provide novel respotting devices for bowling pin spotting machines whereby pins elevated thereby are suspended therefrom.

Another object of this invention is to employ novel respotting devices for a bowling pin spotting machine, wherein each device is provided with opposed U-shaped 2,935,175 Patented May 10,1960

2 gripper arms swingably mounted for movement into and out of gripping position adjacent the neck of a standing pin for respotting bowling pins in standing position on a bowling alley after the first ball and before the last ball of a frame has been rolled.

.With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure l.

Fig. 4 is a plan of a spotting-respotting table equipped with respotting units embodying the invention.

Fig. 5 is a side elevation, partially in section, of the preferred embodiment of the invention in pin-releasing position.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, partially in section, of the preferred embodiment of the invention .in pin gripping position.

Fig. 7 is a detail view of the gripper control mechanism in lock position.

Fig. 8 is a detail view of the gripper control mechanism in release position.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the gripper control mechanism shown inFigures 7 and 8 in which certain members thereof are shown out of normal operating position for clarity.

Referring to Figure 4, the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown mounted on the pin spotting table T of an automatic bowling pin spotting machine. Ten units of the invention, designated generally 10, are shown in substantially triangular configuration on table T. This corresponds to the usual member and arrangement of bowling pins P as placed in playing position on the playing bed of a conventional bowling alley. However, more or less units in other arrangements may be used, if desired.

Table T is mounted for vertical movement to and from the playing bed of the alley and to and from a dwell position thereabove during the spotting and respotting cycles of the associated machine. The movement of table T is controlled by the control systems (not shown) of the associated machine. It will be understood that during the respotting cycle, table T is required to make two movements to and from the playing bed. After the first ball has been rolled, table T moves downwardly to engage any standing pins P on the alley and elevate them to a position above the alley to allow the sweep mechanism (not shown) to clear fallen pins or deadwood off the alley. After the sweep mechanism has cleared the alley of deadwood, the table T is again moved toward the alley to deposit the elevated pins P in their former positions thereon. This process is repeated until the last ball of a frame is rolled, at which time, the sweep mechanism (not shown) removes all pins P standing and fallen, and the machine proceeds to a spotting cycle.

During a spotting cycle, table T, puts a full complement of pins P in playing configuration on the alley for a new frame. In the game of ten pins, two balls usually constitute one frame. However, in the game of duckpins, three balls constitute one frame, thus requiring two respotting cycles per frame as compared to the single aesaivs respotting cycle per frame required in the game of ten pins. The invention is equally adaptable to either requirement, the control mechanism (not shown) of the associated machine controlling the proper cycling of table T.

Table T may be similar in construction. and operation to that shown in Holloway et all Patent 2,781,195; for Bowling Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism. Only so much of the structure thereof as is necessary to a proper understanding of the present invention is included herein.

Table T is moved downwardly at the start of the respotting cycle, and as table T approaches, the playing bed of the alley pins P, standing thereon, are engaged by units 10 for elevation with table T when it starts its upward movement and its return to dwell position. After the sweep mechanism (not shown) has removed the deadwood from the alley, table T, with the pins P still held by units 10 moves downwardly towards the alley. As table T approachesthe alley for the second time during the respotting cycle, pins P are released by units 10 in standing respotted position on the alley to await the rolling of the next ball of the frame.

Since each of the ten units '10 is identical in construction and operation, a detailed description of only one of the units 10 is set forth hereinbelow in the interests of brevity.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, a unit 10 embodying the invention is preferably mounted in common with thespotting unit U on shaft 12. During the spotting cycle, shaft 12 is rotated, moving the spotting unit U into vertical pin spotting position and pivoting unit 10 out of the path of action of spotting unit U. When table T is raised, after setting a full complement of pins P on the alley, shaft 12 is again rotated, moving spotting units U to the inclined position and units 10 to operative position shown in Figure 1, preparing table T for the respotting. cycle.

A unit 10 embodying the invention comprises a support 14 provided with a concave upper surface 16 to accommodate shaft 12. Surface 16 is provided with a key way 18 for key 20 which secures shaft 12 to unit 10, ensuring co-action therebetween. The upper portion 17 of support 14 is secured,'as. by bolting shown in Figures 1 and 5, to its associated spotting unit U. Thus, when shaft 12 is rotated, spotting unit U and respotting unit 10 move together into and out of their respective operating positions.

Shaft 22 is supported in the lower section of portion 17 and at its extremities pivotally supports frame 24. Frame 24 is generally H-shaped with its cross-arm 25 preferably of cross-shaped cross-section as shown in Fig ures l, 2, and 6. Frame 24 is pivotally mounted adjacent cross-arm 25 on shaft 26. Shaft 26 is supported at itsextremities in upright extensions 27 of clamp plate 28, which generally lies in a horizontal plane when unit is in operative position.

Further, support 14 pivotally supports four generally L-shaped arms 30, 32, 34 and 36 as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Each arm 30, 32, 34 and 36 is loosely mounted at its upper end on pins 38, 4t), 42 and 44, respectively, carried by support 14 at each of its four corners. It will be understood that arms 46 and 48 are thus supported for gravity bias toward each other.

Shafts 5th and 52 are Secured transversely of a unit 10 in the corners of arms 30 and 32 and 34 and 36, respec tively. Another shaft 54 is likewise secured transversely" of unit 10in the lower portion of support 14. Shaft 54 at its extremities, freely supports the ends of a sec ond generally H-shaped frame 56. Frame 56' has a cross-arm 58 of; generally cross-shaped cross section and is positioned. adjacent and below crossarm 25 of frame 22. The free ends of frame 56 are pivotally mounted. on shaft 60inside extensions 27. Shaft 60 is supportedby extensions 27 adjacent the middle thereof.

Freely supported adjacent the middle of shaft 50 is a normally downwardly inclined bracket 62 having spaced upright extensions 64 through which shaft 50 is positioned. The other end of bracket 62 is provided with upright extensions 65. Pin 66 is supported in extensions 65 and rotatably mounts a roller 68 adjacent the upper face of clamp plate 28. Another U shaped member 70 is also pivotally mounted at one end on pin 66, as shown best in Figures 5 and 6. The upper end of member 70 is freely mounted adjacent the middle of shaft 52.

Spacer 72 has one end fixed on shaft 50 and its other end provided with an elongated slot 74 through which shaft 52 extends. Spring 76, encircling spacer 72, has its ends bearing against shafts 50 and 52, respectively, normally urging both shafts 50 and 52 outwardly and hence arms 46 and 48 into open position shown in Figures l, 2 and 5.

In operation, when table T is moved downwardly at the start of the respotting cycle, shaft 12 is rotated such that the unit 10 directly over its associated pin spot when table T is adjacent the playing surface of the alley. As a unit 10 on table T is moved adjacent the alley at the start of the respotting cycle, the neck of a pin P standing on its associated pin spot enters between opposed arms. 46 and 48 which are in non-operative open position shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5. As table T and unit 10 continue to move downwardly, the top of pin P will move relatively upwardly between arms 4-6 and 48, contacting the under face of clamp plate-28.

The continued upward relative movement of pin. P urges clamp plate 28 upwardly, pivoting'bracket 6-2 up: wardly about shaft 50. Member 70, pinned to the lower end of bracket 62, is, in turn, pivoted upwardly about shaft 52. Since shaft 52 extends through elongated slot 74 of spacer 72, the pressure exerted by member 70, in pivoting about shaft 52, causes shaft 52 to move in wardly in slot 74 against the action of spring 76. In moving inwardly in slot 74, shaft 52- swings its asso ciated arm 48 into pin-engaging position shown in Figure 6.

Further, since clamp plate 28 inbeing urged upwardly by pin P, it pivots extension 27 and its associated'H-frames 24 and 56 outwardly about their respective support shafts 22 and 54, rotating these members into the positions shown in Figure 6. It will be understood therefore that, as clamp plate 28 moves upwardly engaging roller 68," roller 68 will be moved outwardly along'the upper face of plate 28. Since bracket 62 because of its connection to roller 68 will thus be rotated both upwardly and inwardly, the inward movement thereof urges shaft 50 audits associated arm 46 inwardly against springs 76 into pin-engaging position shown in Figure 6.

In the event that a pin P ismoved or walksf'ofi its associated pin spot due to contact with a thrown bowling ball or another pin P, the 'mechanism of unit 10 is adaptable to engage suchoff-spot pin P also. In the case of a pin walking longitudinally off the alley, one of the arms 46 or 48 contacts such off-spot pin first, dependingon which direction it walks. When for example, arm 48' contacts such pin P, the resistance to further movement of arm 48 overcomes the force moving arm and it accordingly stops adjacent the neck of thepin, shaft 52 connected to arm 48 having been moved only partway along slot 7d. Meanwhile the other arm 46' continues to rotate inwardly. Since shaft 52 has; been moved only part way along slot 74, am 46 audits asso'- ciated shaft 50 continues to rotate inwardly until spacer 72 has been moved such that shaft 52' bears against the inner limit of'slot'74. Thus, arm 46. has moved. inwardly until. it is adjacent the neckof the. off-spot pin. P" which is ready for elevation by table T. V

Slot 74 and the relative'dimensions, of; the components of unit 10 are such that if. a pin P is exactly onspot; shaft 52. reaches its limit oftravel in s1ot74 when bracket 62 assumes a substantiallyhorizontal position adjacent the upperface of plate 28 as shown in Figure 6 when plate 28 reaches its limit of upward vertical travelr Shaft 50, it will be understood, moves spacer 72 relating to shaft 52. Therefore shaft 52 moves in slot 74 when either spacer 72 is moved by shaft 50 or when shaft 52 is, itself, moved in slot 74 by arms 34 and 36.

If a pin P walks off-spot in the direction of arm 46, arm 46 contacts the neck of such off-spot pin P and the resistance to further movement of arm 46 overcomes the force moving arm 46 and it accordingly stops. Since shaft 50 has moved spacer 72 only a portion of its customary travel when a pin P is on spot, it is apparent that shaft 52 travels proportionately greater distance in slot 74, bringing arm 48 a greater distance toward arm 46 and adjacent the neck of the off-spot pin P which is ready for elevation by table T.

If a pin merely walks laterally on the alley, no change in the operation of the elements of unit is required.

Since spring 76 urges arms 46 and 48 into open position, means is provided for maintaining arms 46 and 48 in pin engaging position. Referring specially to Figures 7, 8 and 9, an operating ratchet 77 is rotatably mounted at generally the middle of shaft 54 and provided with a laterally outstanding sleeve 81 encircling shaft 54 also. The inner face of ratchet 77 is provided with ten teeth 78 and twenty peripheral teeth 80. It will be understood that the number of teeth used is immaterial provided, however, that the relationship of two peripheral teeth to one inner face tooth is maintained. Adapted to be engaged by the face teeth 78 of ratchet 77 are correspond ing teeth 82 on one face of ratchet link 84, which is loosely mounted at one end on sleeve 81. Lock plates 86 and 88 are alternately arranged on shaft 54 adjacent the other face of ratchet link 84 and are provided with elongated slots 87 and 89 such that plates 86 and 88 are slidably mounted on sleeve 81. Link 90 is rotatably arranged on sleeve 81 and spaced from a second link 92 by second lock plates 86 and 88. As shown best in Figure 9 link 92 is rotatably mounted on shaft 54 adjacent the free end of sleeve 81. The ends of links 84,90 and 92 remote from shaft 54 are rotatably mounted in common on shaft 22. The free ends of lock plates 88 are rotatably mounted on a pin 94 supported in the upper most portion of upright extensions 64 of bracket 62. The free ends of lock plates 86 are rotatably mounted on a second pin 96 positioned below pin 94 and supported adjacent the middle of extensions 64. A sleeve 98, encircling shaft 54 and located between link 92 and a section of the lower portion of support 14, maintains the link assembly in proper operatingrelationship with portion 15. Spring 100, encircling shaft 54 and positioned between ratchet 77 and the other section of portion 15, co-acts with sleeve 98 in maintaining the link assembly in proper relationship and position on shaft 54. A pawl 103 is rotatably mounted on shaft 60 and positioned between cross-arms 25 and 58 with the free end of pawl 102 adapted to engage the peripheral teeth 80 of ratchet 77.

Spring 104 encircling shaft 50 between the extensions 64 of bracket 62 has one end passing through an aperture 103 in bracket 62 and is normally depending downwardly adjacent the upper face of plate 28. Roller 105 is rotatably mounted on the'end of spring 104 adjacent the plate 28 while the other end of spring 104 bears against the underside of pin 96.

In operation, when clamp plate 28 is moved upwardly to the position shown in Figure 6, in which gripper arms 46 and 48 engage the neck of pin P, pawl 102 has engaged a peripheral tooth 80 of ratchet 77 and turned it one step, thereby causing its face teeth 78 to engage the face teeth 82 on link 84. This causes an axial displacement of all links 84, 90 and 92 into locking relationship with lockplates 86 and 88. The upward movement of plate 28 causes =bracket62 to move upwardly, sliding the locking plates 86 and 88, connected thereto along shaft 54 and into locking position. In addition, as clamp plate 28 is moved upwardly, as described hereinabove, roller 105 and its associated end of spring 104 are moved into the position illustrated in Figure 6. This movement windsspring104, thereby causing the free end of spring 104 to exert a force against pin 96. This force assists in moving bracket 62 and its associated members into locked position shown in Figure 6. It will be understood that unit 10 can operate equally well without spring 104.

However, spring 104 is included to assist in the movement of bracket 62 into locked position. With bracket 62 in this position, the frictional engagement between the faces of links 84, 90 and 92 and lock plates 86 and 88 results in a holding of the gripping arms 46 and 48 against the neck of pin P, permitting elevation of pin P by table T.

Astable T and unit 10 move away from the alley to allow the sweep (not shown) to clear the deadwood off the alley, pin P will remain in place on the alley or will move relatively downward in unit 10 until its head is wedged between arms 46 and 48 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6. In this position pin P will be elevated by table T, to dwell position above the alley.

When pin P moves downwardly in unit. 10 to become wedged between arms 46 and 48, spring 104 urges clamp plate 28 downward also, maintaining clamp plate 28 in contact, with the head of pin P as pin P is elevated by table T. As plate 28 thus is urged downwardly to bear against the head of pin P, its associated H-frames 24 and 56 rotate downwardly also. This downward rotation of frame 56 moves the end of pawl 102 downwardly on the periphery of ratchet 76. The relative dimensioning of unit 10 is such that when plate 28 is adjacent the head of pin P, pawl 102 is adjacent the next tooth of ratchet 76; Pawl 102 is now in position for the next actuation of ratchet 76, described hereinbelow.

After the operation of the sweep (not shown), table T moves downwardly again. As table T approaches the alley, the butt end of pin P, suspended from unit 10, will contact the alley first, causing pin P and clamp plate 28 to move upwardly relative to unit 10. This upward movement of clamp plate 28 causes pawl 102 to effect another stepwise movement of ratchet 77. This operation moves the face teeth 78 of ratchet 77 out of engagement with the face teeth 82 of link 84 as shown in Figure 8. As a result, links 84, and 92 and lock plates 86 and 88 are returned to their original axially spaced positions on shaft 54, the frictional engagement therebetween being interrupted. Arms 46 and 48, thus released, swing outwardly due to their gravity bias supports, thereby releasing pin P, in its respotted position on the alley. Spring 76 assists in swinging arms 46 and 48 outwardly when ratchet 77 is moved out of engagement with link 84.

As table T moves upwardly again after respotting pin P in its former location on the alley, spring 104 urges plate 28 into its original pin-engaging position until activated by a standing pin P on the next respotting cycle of table T. It will be appreciated that clamp plate due to its gravity bias mounting, can operate equally well without spring 104. However spring 104 also ensures positive movement of plate 28.

Further, since clamp plate 28 and H-frames 24 and 56 are pivotally mounted for gravity bias, cross-arm 25 of frame 24 is provided with a stop 106 which engages the upper surface of extension 108 of support 14 thereby limiting the downward rotation of frames 24 and 56, plate 28 and their associated members. This operates to maintain plate 28 in horizontal pin-engaging position when unit 10 is moved to operative position by shaft 12.

The above description of operation relates to the use of the invention solely as a respotting device. Itwwill be appreciated that the invention can also be usedfor asaam 7 both spotting and respotting pins in playing arrangement on the playing bed of a bowling alley.

A- full complement of pins can be inserted inunits either manually or by suitable means such as is disclosed inBatesPatent: 2,388,793 for Bowling Pin Spotting Machines. I v

The machine is then operated. to efiect the desired movement of table T to spot and respot pins in playing arrangement, on the alley, as described previously hereinabove;

I What I claim. is:

1'.v In a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling pin setter table adaptedto be moved between a position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a plurality of respotting units, means mounting said units on said table in an arrangement corresponding to -a predetermined pin spotting patternon said alley, each of said. units: comprising; a support, a pair of opposed pin holders, nreans swin-gably mounting said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said support, means on said support operable to swing said pin holders in: an arcuate path of travel towards each other and adjacent the neck of a standing pin when said plate is: engaged by the top-of said pin and moved thereby to an extreme position on said carriage and friction means on said carriage actuated by the movement of said plate to: said extrerneposition on said. carriage for. maintaining said holders adjacent said pin whereby said pin can be. elevated by said unit in response-to the upward movement of the table. 2. In a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling pin setter. table adapted to be moved vertically between a position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a plurality'of respotting units, means mounting said units on said tablein an arrangement corresponding to a'predetermined. pin spotting pattern on said alley, each of saidunits' comprising a carriage adaptedto. be moved from operative. horizontal position to nonoperative inclined positionon said table, a pair of opposed substantially U-shaped pin holders, means swingably mounting said holders on opposite sides of said carriag e, a plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said carriage and for vertical movement relative thereto, said last named means being adaptedto maintain said plate in pinengaging position on said carriage, means on Said carriage operable to swing said pinholders in an arcuatepath of, travel towards each other and adjacent the neck. of a standing pin when said plate is engaged byv the top of said pin and moved thereby vertically upwardly on said carriage, and frictional means. on said carriage actuated by the upward .vertical movement of s'aid'plate for maintaining said holders adjacentv said pin whereby said. pin may be elevated by said table, said frictional means being operative on the next vertical upward movement of said plate when said pin is to be respotted by said table on said alley to'release said holders from position adjacent said pin whereby said. pin. is returned to its former standing position on said alley by said table.

3-. Theinvention as defined in claim 2- Wherein said means operable to swing said pin holders towards each other includes cammeans mounted adjacent the upper surface of said plate and adapted to urge said pin holders toward each other when said plate, moved vertically upward by said' pin, actuates said cam means.

4. The: invention as. defined! in. claim. 3. wherein said. eamt. means. comprises; a bracket, means pivotally: connect,- ing. one; end ofsaid. bracket to one" of said pin holder mounting means, the-freeend. of. said bracket being. maintainediadjacentthe. upper surface of said plate, a second bracket rotatablyzconnected; to. the free end of. said. first bracket. and pivotally mounted at; its. other end. to; the

other of said pin holder mounting means whereby when said plate is moved upwardly by said pin and engages the free end of said'. 'first bracket, both of said brackets are pivoted'thereby about their connections to. said pin holder? mounting means, the pivoting. of said brackets being. operative to swing saidpin holder means to move said opposed' pin holders toward each other. i

5. Inv a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling pin setter table adapted to be moved vertically between a position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley. and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a pluralityof respotting units, means mounting said units on said tablev in an arrangement corresponding to a predetermined pin spotting pattern on said alley, each of'said. units comprising a support, a pair of opposed substantially U-shaped pin holders, arms swingably mounting each end of said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounted-said plate on said support and for substantially vertical movement relative thereto, a shaft connecting the pair'of arms mounting one pin holder, a first. bracket, means pivotally connecting said bracket to one ofisaid shafts. and downwardly depending therefrom adjacent the upper surface of said plate, a second bracket rotatably mounted on the free end of said first bracket, said second bracket being pivotally mountedat its upper end on the other of said shafts, and means slidably connecting. said shafts. whereby, when said plate is moved upwardly by engagement with the head of a pin standing on said alley and contacts the free end of said first bracket, each of said. brackets is pivoted about its associated shaft, the pivoting of said brackets urging said shafts and their associated pin holders toward each other and into pin engaging position adjacent said standing pin, said-last-named means being operative to limit the travel of said shafts and said pin holders toward each other.

6. A bowling pin respotting mechanism for use with the pin spotter table of a bowling. pin spotting machine, said table being adapted for movement vertically to and from the playing bed' of a bowling alley, comprising a support, means mounting said support on said table, a pair of opposed pin holders, means mounting said pin holders on said carriage for gravity bias toward each other, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said support, means on said support operable to swing said pin holders towards each other and adjacent the-neck of a standing pin when said plate is engaged by the top of said pin and moved thereby .to an extreme position on said carriage, and friction means on said carriage actuated by the movement of said piateto said extreme position on said carriage for maintaining said holders adjacent said pin whereby said pin can be elevated by said unit on said table.

7. A bowling pin respotting mechanism for use with. the pinjspotter table of a bowling pin spotting machine, said table being adapted for movement Vertically to and from the playing bed of a bowling alley, comprising a carriage adaptedv to be moved from operative horizontal position to non-operative inclined position on said table, a. pairof opposed substantially U-shaped pin holders, means swingably mounting said. holders on opposite sidesv of said. carriage, a plate, means pivotally mountingsaid plate on. said carriage and for vertical movement relative thereto, said last named means being adapted to maintain said plate in. pin engaging position on. said carriage, means on said carriage operable to swingsaid pin holders towards each. other and adjacent the neck of a standing pin, when said plate: is engaged by the top of said'pin and moved thereby vertically upward onsaid carriage, and frictional means, on. said carriage actuated by. the upward vertical movement of. said plate for maintaining said holdersadjacent said pin whereby said pin may be elevated by saidtable, said. frictional means. being operative on the next vertical. upwardmovement of said plate when said. pinsis. tobe respottedby said. tableon said alley to release said holders from position adjacent said pin whereby said pin isreturned to itsformer standing position on said alley by said table.

8. A bowling pin respotting mechanism for use with the pin spotter table of a bowling pin spotting machine, said table being adapted for movement vertically to and from the playing bed of a bowling alley, comprising a support, a pair of opposed substantially U-shaped pin holders, arms swingably mounting each end of said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said support and for vertical movement relative thereto, a shaft connecting the pair of arms mounting one pin holder, a first bracket, means pivotally connecting said bracket to one of said shafts and downwardly depending there from adjacent the upper surface of said plate, a second bracket rotatably mounted on the free end of said first bracket, said second bracket being pivotally mounted at its upper end on the other of said shafts, and means slidably connecting said shafts whereby, when said plate is moved upwardly by engagement with the head of a pin standing on said alley and contacts the free end of said first bracket, each of said brackets is pivoted about its associated shaft, the pivoting of said brackets urging said shafts and their associated pin holders toward each other and into pin engaging position adjacent said standing pin, said last-named means being operative to limit the travel of said shafts and said pin holders toward each I other.

9. A holding device for a respotting mechanism of a bowling pin spotting machine, said respotting mechanism utilizing a plurality of swingably opposed pin holders and a vertically moving pin engaging plate, comprising a plurality of laminar plates, means connecting said plates side by side to said opposed pin holders, means on said mechanism operable to swing said bars toward each other and adjacent a standing, pin when said plate is engaged by the head of said pin and moved thereby, and means operative in response to the movement of said opposed pin holders to urge saidplates into frictional contact whereby said pin holders are maintained in pin holding relationship adjacent the neck of said pin.

10. A retaining mechanism for a respotting unit of a bowling pin spotting machine, said respotting unit utilizing a plurality of opposed gravity biased pin holders and a vertically moving pin engaging plate, comprising a plurality of elongated plates, means pivotally mounting said plates side by side to said opposed pin holders, means on said respotting unit operable to swing said holders toward each other and adjacent a standing pin when said plate is engaged by the head of said pin and moved vertically upward thereby, means operative in response to the movement of said opposed pin holders and said plate to urge said laminar plates into frictional contact whereby said pin holders are maintained adjacent said pin, said lastnamed means being operative on the next successive vertical upward movement of said pin engaging plate to release said pin holders from holding position adjacent the neck of said pin.

P 11. A holding device for a respotting unit of a bowling pin spotting machine, said respotting unit utilizing a pair of swingably opposed arms and a vertically movable pin engaging plate comprising a shaft supported in said unit, a ratchet rotatably mounted on said shaft and provided with peripheral and facial teeth, a link mounted at one end on said shaft adjacent said ratchet and provided with teeth coacting with said facial teeth of said ratchet, a series of alternate lock plates and elongated plates mounted each at one end in common with said ratchet and said link on said shaft and adjacent thereto, a second shaft supported in said unit, said link and elongated plates mounted at their free ends on common on said second shaft, a portion of said lock plates connected at their free ends to one of said arms, the remainder of said'plates being connected at their free ends to the other of said arms, means on said unit operable to swing said bars toward each other and adjacent a standing pin when said pin plate is engaged by the headof said pin and moved vertically upward thereby, a pawl, means connecting said pawl to said pin plate whereby when said plate is moved vertically upward by said pin moving said arms toward each other, said pawl engages peripheral tooth to actuate said ratchet, moving said facial teeth of said ratchet into opposition with said teeth on said link thereby urging said lock plates and said elongated plates into frictional engagement maintaining said arms adjacent said pin.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein on the next successive upward vertical movement of said pin plate, said pawl engages the next peripheral tooth to actuate said ratchet, moving said facial teeth of said ratchet out of opposition with said teeth on said link whereby said lock plates and said elongated plates are released from frictional engagement and said arms are free to gravitate away from said pin.

13. In a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling pin setter table adapted to be moved between a position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a plurality of respotting units, means mounting said units on said table in an arrangement correspond ing to a predetermined pin spotting pattern. on said alley, each of said units comprising a carriage, a plurality of opposed bars, means swingably mounting said bars on said carriage a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said carriage and for movement relative thereto, means on said carriage operable to swing said bars towards each other and adjacent a standing pin when said plate engages the top of said pin and is moved rela tive to said carriage thereby, and means on. said carrriage for alternately maintaining and releasing said bars from position adjacent said pin on alternate movements of said plate by said pin to an extreme position on said carriage, said last-named means including a plurality of laminar plates, means connecting said plates side by side to said opposed bars, means operative in response to the movement of said opposed bars toward each other to urge;

position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a plurality of respotting units, means mounting said units on said table in an arrangement corresponding to a predetermined pin spotting pattern on said alley, each of said units comprising a support, a pair of opposed pin holders, means swingably mounting said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin en gaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said support, means on said support operable to swing said pin holders towards each other and adjacent the neck of a standing pin when said plate is engaged by the top of said pin and moved thereby to an extreme position on said carriage and means on said carriage actuated by the movement of said plate to said extreme position on said carriage for maintaining said holders adjacent said pin whereby said pin can be elevated by said unit on said table, said last-named means including a plurality of elongated plates, means pivotally mounting said plates side by side to said opposed pin holders, and means operative in response to the movement of said opposed pin holders and said plate to urge said elongated plates into frictional contact whereby said pin holders are maintained adjacent said pin, said last-named means being operative on the next successive movement of said pin engaging plate to extreme position on said carriage to release said pin holders from position adjacent-said pin. 15. In a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling pin setter table adapted to be moved vertically between 8' position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position ther'eabove for spotting and respotting.

ably mounting each end of said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting, said plate on said support and for vertical movement relative thereto, a shaft connecting the pair of arms mounting one pin holder, a first bracket, means pivotally connecting said bracket to one of said shafts and downwardly depending. therefrom adjacent the upper surface of said plate, a second bracket rotatably mounted on the free end of said first bracket, said second bracket being pivotally mounted at its upper end on the other of said shafts, means slidably connecting said shafts whereby, when said plate is moved upwardly by engagement with the head ofa pin standing on said alley and contacts the free endof said first bracket, each of said brackets is pivotedahout its associated shaft, the pivoting of said.

brackets urging said shafts and their associated pin holders toward each other and into pin engaging position adjacent said standing. pin, said last-named means being operative to limit the travel of said shafts and said pin holders toward each other and holding means for maintaining said pin holders adjacent said pin, said holding means including a third. shaft mounted in said support, a ratchet rotatably mounted. on said third shaft and provided with peripheral and facial teeth, a link mounted at one end on said third shaft adjacent said ratchet and provided with teeth coacting with said facial teeth of said ratchet, a series of alternate lock plates and elongated plates, each mounted at one end in common with said ratchet and said link in axially spaced relationship on said third shaft, an elongated support mounted in saidunit, said link and elongated plates mounted at their free ends in common on said elongated support, a portion'of said lock plates connected at their free ends to one of said U-shaped pin holders, the remainder of said platesf being connected at their free ends to the other of said pin holders, a pawl, means connecting said pawl to said pin plate whereby, when said plate is moved vertically upward by said pin, moving said pin holder's toward each other, said pawl engages said peripheral teeth to actuate said ratchet, moving said facial teeth of said ratchet into opposition with said teeth on said link, thereby urging said lock plates and said elongated plates into frictional engagement maintaining said pin holders adjacent said pin. a

16; A bowling pin respotting mechanism for use with thepin spotter table of a bowling pin spotting machine,

said table being adapted for movement vertically to and.

from the playing bed of a bowling alley, comprising a carriage, said carriage on said table, a pair of opposed bars, means swingably mounting said bars on said carriage, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said carriage and. for'vertical movement relative thereto, means on said carriage operable to swing said: bars towards each other and adjacent a standing pin when-said plate engages the top of said pin and is moved relative to said carriage thereby, and means on said carriage for alternately maintaining and releasing said bars from position adjacent said pin on alternate movements of said plate by said pin to. an extreme position on said carriage, said last-named means including a plurality of elongated plates, means pivotally mounting said plates side by side to said opposed bars and means operative in response to the movement of said opposed bars and said plate to urge said elongated plates into frictional contact whereby said pin holders are maintained adjacent said pin, said means being operative on the next successive vertical movement of said pin engaging plate to release said bars from position adjacent said pin.

17. A bowling pin respotting mechanism for use with the pin spotter table of a bowling pinspotting machine, said table being adapted for movement vertically to and from the playing bed of a bowling alley, comprising a support, a pair of opposed substantially U-shaped pin holders, arms swingably mounting each end of said holders on opposite sides of said support, a pin engaging plate, means pivotally mounting said plate on said support and for vertical movement relative thereto, a shaft connecting the pair of arms mounting one pin holder, a first bracket, means pivotally connecting said bracket to one of said shafts and downwardly depending therefrom adjacent the upper surface of said plate, a second bracket rotatably mounted on the free end of said first bracket, said second bracket being pivotally mounted at its upper end on. the other of said shafts, and means slidably connecting .said shafts whereby, when said plate is moved upwardly by engagement with the head of a pin standing on said alley and contacts the free end of. said first bracket, each of said brackets is pivoted about its associated shaft, the pivoting of said brackets urging said shafts and their associated pin holders toward each other and into pin engaging position adjacent said standing pin, and holding means for maintaining said pin holders adjacent said pin including a third shaft mounted in said support, a ratchet rotatably mounted on said third shaft mounted in said support, a ratchet rotatably mounted on said third shaft. and provided with peripheral and facial teeth, a link mounted at one end on said. third shaft adjacent said ratchet. and provided with teeth coacting. with said facial teeth of said ratchet, a series of alternate lock plates and elongated plates mounted each at one end. in common. with said ratchet and said link on said third shaft and adjacent thereto, an elongated. support mounted in said support, said link and elongated plates mounted at their free ends in common on said elongated support, a portion of said lock plates connected at their free ends to one of said pin holders, the remainder of said plates being connected at their free ends to the other of said pin holders, a pawl, means connecting said pawl to said pin plate whereby when said plate is moved vertically upward by' said. pin, moving said pin holders toward each other, said pawl engages tooth to actuate said ratchet, moving said facial teeth of said ratchet out of opposition with said teeth on said link whereby said lock plates and said elongated plates are released from frictional engagement and said pin holders are free to gravitate away from said pin.

18. In a bowling pin spotting machine, a bowling, pin

setter table adapted to be moved between a position adjacent the playing bed of a bowling alley and a dwell position thereabove for spotting and respotting pins on said alley, a plurality of respotting units, means mounting said units on said table in arrangementcorresponding to a predetermined pin spotting pattern on said alley, each of said units comprising a carriage, a plurality of opposed bars, means swingably mounting said. bars on said carriage, a pin engaging plate, a shaft pivotally'supporting said plate on said carriage and for movement relative thereto, means on said carriage operable to'swi'ng said bars towards each other and adjacent a standing pin when said plate engages the top of said pin and is; moved relative to said carriage thereby, andffriction means on said shaft operative in response to the move- 13 ment of said plate for locking said bars in pin holding position or releasing said bars.

References Cited in the file of this patent 14 Whipple et a1. Dec. 16, 1952 Montooth et a1 Apr. 3, 1956 Holloway et a1. Feb. 12, 1957 Elberty Dec. 17, 1957 

